The travel expert about Scandic: More hotels will follow

Customers choose the cheapest option.

That’s why Scandic’s breakfast decision will work, says travel expert Viggo Cavling.

– They’re getting some negative publicity now, but it’ll pass. Then others will follow.

Hotel chain Scandic is phasing out free breakfast at its hotels. “Flexibility,” the company says. But to customers, it may feel more like stinginess. The exact fee varies, more expensive in big cities, cheaper out in the country.

Travel expert Viggo Cavling believes Scandic is doing the right thing.

– Right now they are getting some negative publicity, people are upset, but it will pass. Petter Stordalen will introduce the same, he says, noting that booked breakfasts lead to less food waste.

So far, competitors Elite and Strawberry have continued to offer free breakfast. However, Viggo Cavling does not believe that the breakfast change will lead to a mass exodus from Scandic.

– The majority of Scandic’s customers are people who have to stay at the hotel. Business travelers who stay on weekdays, usually alone.

“Complain first – then accept”

He compares it to the reactions when hotels stopped offering daily cleaning.

– There was a bit of a fuss at first, but now people have accepted it.

The role model, according to Cavling, is flight booking sites. Everyone knows that there will be fees added to the price that is shown first.

– They want a low price to get into the rankings. Then they sell services one by one. This is an international trend, it’s not something that Swedish hotels have come up with themselves.

The exception is when people book a hotel stay that is an experience, not just a necessary accommodation when traveling.

– If you and your husband are going to a boutique hotel, then it goes without saying that breakfast is included. But the price tag is less important there. And Scandic can’t sell that experience anyway.

The audio clip could not be played

Try again later